Ask VMW: Freaking out about our overseas move!

Here is a question for the day:

"We are PCSing to Germany with the Army and I am freaking out! I am reading your blog everyday in between my kids naps. I have a few questions for you. We are told we won't have housing available so we are to find a home on the "Economy" any tips of what to look for? I have heard people say that things like toilets/cupboards are not always included? Basically what do I need to know so I don't get screwed over by a German landlord?"

Thanks for your question!  Many German homes in the American housing office system for each area, have already been "Americanized"...what I mean by that, is that many will come with kitchens (most Germans renting will put in their own), and you'll have toilets, baths etc....you may have to spring to install some light fixtures and will get Army wallockers if there are no closets (see my blogpost on the subject)...as for lights, many rooms may just have outlets and not even a connection for a light to hang...newer houses will have attachments...you'll find old and new construction.  Many new homes have electric heat...easy to manage, set and take care of but very expensive...you have to weigh the benefits/negatives of just about anything.  You'll get tips from your housing office too, and they'll make sure the contract is in order to protect you as well.  Don't go looking for an agent unless you get authorization in hand that the US govt will pay for that service...it's typically two months rent so nothing to sniff your nose at!  And the person renting pays this, not the landlord, so I caution you with "hiring" one of them if/when you get frustrated w/the housing office.